We are all aware of how electric vehicles can benefit our planet. Electric vehicles are the future of transportation. A less polluted environment benefits from cleaner emissions. Therefore, when it comes to environmentally friendly transportation, electric vehicles play a significant role. Only a few electric cars are currently available for purchase in India. This article will provide you with all relevant information regarding electric vehicles if you intend to purchase one and are looking for an Electric Car Buying Guide. You can also inquire about Urja Assistance – the Manufacturer of EV chargers in India/Gujarat/Vadodara.
Due to the complexities of electric vehicle terminology, purchasing one can be challenging. Before purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, there are numerous considerations to be made. Your decision is influenced by a variety of factors, including the charging infrastructure and the car’s price. The considerations you should make before purchasing an electric vehicle will be clarified in this article.
1. Price
Electric vehicles are environment-friendly, but they are not pocket-friendly! Due to the complex electric drivetrain and expensive battery packs, electric cars are pricey when compared to their conventional counterparts. Even a small electric hatchback car can cost over Rs. 6 lakh. So, you should keep your budget in mind before deciding to buy an electric car.
2. Incentives and Tax Benefits
The incentives and tax benefits offered by the government can reduce the overall cost of electric vehicles. So, make sure to check on the exact percentage of incentive and tax benefits you get, if you purchase an eco-friendly vehicle. The Government of India also offers some benefits such as reduced service tax (GST) that reduces the price of an electric car.
3. Software Updates
Electric vehicles are equipped with complex powertrains and advanced technology, and the manufacturers often improve the electric cars with the latest technology via rolling out software updates. So, make sure that you get regular software upgrades after buying an EV. Some manufacturers offer free regular improvements to the software, while some charge the owners for the updates. So make an informed choice while buying an electric vehicle.
4. Specifications
Electric vehicles come with a wide range of electric motors and battery packs of different capacities. You need to choose an electric car that has specifications that match your requirements. An underpowered electric vehicle can be irritating to drive. Go through the technical details thoroughly of the electric car before deciding to buy one.
5. Driving Range
The driving range is one of the crucial factors when buying an electric vehicle. Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s specified driving range figures. Instead, look for real-life reviews to get an idea about the driving range of the EV in real-world conditions. Typically, an electric car should deliver a driving range of over 100km, which is sufficient for daily drives. High-end electric cars even offer a driving range of over 400km.
6. Battery Life
A battery pack is one of the most important components of an electric vehicle. At the same time, the battery is also one of the most expensive parts of the EV. Replacing a battery pack of an electric vehicle can burn a hole in your pocket. So, always check the battery life before investing in an eco-friendly car. The longer the battery life, the lower the maintenance cost.
7. Charging Infrastructure
The charging infrastructure is still in its nascent stage in the country. You cannot find electric vehicle charging stations as frequently as fuel stations, and it is one of the biggest challenges for EV owners. Currently, major metro cities have adequate charging stations, but everywhere else, the situation is not the same. So, do account for this fact before deciding to own an electric car in India.
8. Charging Options
An electric car comes with a wide range of charging options such as fast charging, standard charging, and slow charging. Fast chargers are expensive to install, and you can hardly find a few of them in your city. Standard and slow charging technique is feasible and can also be installed at your home. Some EVs can also be charged from the electric outlet of your residence. So, do check out the charging options on the electric car, before buying one.
9. Maintenance Cost
Maintenance is one of the important aspects of owning an electric car. Without proper maintenance, the EV may not perform efficiently. Normally, electric vehicles are very easy to maintain, as there are fewer moving parts in an EV. But in case of a breakdown, the repair bills can cost dearly. Also, the spare parts are very expensive when compared to a conventional car. Also, there are only a handful of mechanics available for EVs, and you have to deal with the manufacturer for any service or repair work.
10. Additional Costs
When you own an electric car, there are several additional costs associated with the eco-friendly vehicle. You have to spend an additional amount of money to get a home charger, charging station installation, maintenance of charging stations, and public station charging. These expenses can make the ownership experience quite expensive when compared to a conventional vehicle. So, be aware of these additional costs before owning an electric car.
11. Practical Usability
An electric car is not a practical vehicle, especially in a country like India. It all boils down to your requirements. How much distance do you drive in a day, and what is the driving range of the electric vehicle? It makes sense to own an EV if you reside in a metro city, and all you need is a car to commute to your office. For others, an electric car might not be a practical choice. So, do consider this point before deciding to own an EV.
12. Brand and Model
Currently, there are only a handful of electric cars in the Indian market. So, the choice should not be a difficult task. Hyundai (Kona), Mahindra, Tata Motors, and MG Motor India retail eco-friendly vehicles in the country. The options are few, but they belong to different price brackets. So, depending on your budget and requirement, you can choose the right brand and model. Apart from the above-mentioned brands, several other automotive manufacturers are planning to launch electric vehicles in India.
13. After-sales Service and Support
Once you purchase an electric vehicle, the ownership experience can be good or bad depending on the after-sales service and support offered by the manufacturer. Nowadays, most EV manufacturers offer several years of warranty on battery packs and also install a wall charger at your desired location. The service centers will have trained professionals to service the electric car. So, always opt for a brand which is offering good after-sales support for a good ownership experience.
14. Electric or Hybrid?
If buying an electric vehicle is not practical for you, then you can consider buying a hybrid car. A hybrid car produces fewer emissions than a conventional car. A hybrid car makes use of a combination of internal combustion (IC) engine and an electric motor to run efficiently. The electric motors draw power from the battery packs, which are charged by regenerative braking or by the IC engine. Hybrid vehicles are also reliable when compared to fully-electric vehicles.
15. Used Electric Cars
If buying a brand-new electric car is out of range, you can consider buying a used one. Since EVs don’t have a lot of moving parts, buying a used electric vehicle can be a good option. But before buying a used EV do check the remaining battery performance/warranty, condition of the electric motors, condition of the tires, charging options, and the mileage of the car.
16. Cost of Car Insurance
The cost of insuring an electric vehicle is on the higher side because EVs are expensive. The higher the value of the vehicle, the higher the cost of insurance. When compared to conventional vehicles, car insurance for electric vehicles is expensive. So, do consider the higher car insurance cost before opting for an electric car.
17. Leasing an Electric Car
Leasing an electric car can be a good option if you do not plan to own the EV for a very long time. Leasing also reduces the overall cost of ownership as you can also purchase maintenance packages for the lease. You will also avoid the hassle of re-selling the car, as you can return the car after the end of the lease tenure. Nowadays, even car manufacturers offer leasing options, so leasing could be a better option than buying an electric car.